AOPA is urging members in Hawaii to help ensure general aviation is represented in a proposed state airport authority.

AOPA sent messages to members living in key political districts, asking them to contact their state representatives who serve on the conference committee that is debating Senate Bill 3072. That bill would create a state airport authority, and AOPA has proposed amendments that would guarantee representation for GA in the policy and planning process.

“General aviation is critically important to the people and businesses of Hawaii,” said Jared Esselman, AOPA director of state government affairs. “GA supports 4,100 jobs and contributes $742 million to the state economy each year. That’s why the GA community needs a seat at the table when it comes to making decisions about the state’s airports.”

AOPA contacted members ahead of an April 27 committee meeting to discuss the legislation.

The association has been actively working with pilots, lawmakers, and aviation officials to bring attention to the value of GA in the state. On April 6, AOPA hosted the first ever Hawaii State Aviation Day to raise awareness among lawmakers regarding the benefits GA delivers. In preparation for the event, Esselman met with Ross Higashi, deputy director of airports for Hawaii, to discuss concerns and opportunities to support the GA industry. AOPA has also recently hosted safety seminars and a meeting of Airport Support Network volunteers from around the state.

Elizabeth A Tennyson

Senior Director of Communications

AOPA Senior Director of Communications Elizabeth Tennyson is an instrument-rated private pilot who first joined AOPA in 1998.